1.
multi-purpose; multipurpose; versatile
Describes a tool, machine, facility, or material that can serve many different uses. Primarily attaches to a noun as a modifier either directly (多用途機 'multi-purpose machine') or with の (多用途の布 'versatile cloth'). Common in product descriptions, marketing copy, defense news, and technical contexts.
多用途ナイフ。
A multi-purpose knife.
Compound of 多 ('many') and 用途 ('use; application'). The prefix 多- forms many similar words: 多機能 ('multifunction'), 多目的 ('multipurpose'), 多言語 ('multilingual').
Usage
- Most often used as a prefix in compound nouns without a particle: 多用途機, 多用途車, 多用途ヘリコプター, 多用途ホール.
- As a predicate with a copula: この道具は多用途だ ('This tool is versatile').
- Adverbially with に: 多用途に使える / 使われる ('can be used for many purposes').
- In informal speech, the near-synonym 多目的 is more common; 多用途 has a more technical, product-spec feel.
Common collocations
- 多用途機: multi-purpose machine/aircraft
- 多用途車: multi-purpose vehicle
- 多用途ナイフ: multi-purpose knife
- 多用途ヘリコプター: multi-purpose helicopter
- 多用途ホール: multi-purpose hall
- 多用途に使える: to be usable for many purposes
- 多用途護衛艦: multi-purpose escort ship (defense term)
Similar words
- 多目的: multipurpose — the most common near-synonym, especially for facilities (多目的ホール, 多目的トイレ).
- 多機能: multifunctional — stresses multiple built-in functions, esp. of electronic/digital products.
- 万能: all-purpose; omnipotent — stronger claim; suggests it works for everything.
- 汎用: general-purpose — often used in technical/industrial contexts (汎用機 'general-purpose machine').
Related Words
Compare:
多目的 (multipurpose)
Compare:
多機能 (multifunctional)
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万能 (all-purpose)
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汎用 (general-purpose)